The
2006 Pontiac Solstice—one of the corniest car
monikers since the AMC Pacer first debuted—probably
won’t win over any hearts based on the name alone.
That is, until you see the car. The new automobile that
Pontiac hopes will help put the Michigan-based company
back on the playing field boasts 18-inch-thick wheels,
bucket leather seats, a seven-speaker stereo system
(with MP3 player capabilities), and a classic, retro-ish
body that looks like a giant scrunched-up Corvette.
And have we mentioned that this two-seater roadster
is a convertible?

All
this is convincing enough on the eyes to safely conclude
that the Solstice is definitely not your father’s
Pontiac. It’s not even your older brother’s
Pontiac. But, perhaps more importantly, how does it
feel behind the wheel?

Simply put, the car’s beauty
belies its strength under the hood. The four-cylinder,
177-horse power engine doesn’t necessarily live
up to the eye candy appearance of this sports car. But
with a sticker price that’s less than $20,000,
don’t expect to get a car that’ll go neck
to neck with a Porsche (just because it looks as cool
as one). Still, the Solstice handles well around turns.
At 120 mph on the freeway, it runs smooth; with the
top down, there’s surprisingly little wind.

The
major drawback with a car like this is space. With the
top up, there’s a small trunk space, but when
the top is down (it lowers into the trunk), there’s
exactly zero space for luggage or even a bag of groceries
(if two people are riding in it). This won’t be
a family car; nor will it even be a car for running
quick errands. It’s best suited for someone who
wants a weekend cruise—and to look very cool doing
it. Our prediction: this car is going to inspire a lot
of midlife crises.